Cutting tool holder and a cutting insert therefor

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a cutting tool holder for mounting a cutting insert having a top face, a bottom face and an insert bore having an inner surface extending between the top and the bottom faces. The holder includes a seat having a bottom surface and at least one side wall angled to the bottom surface, a seat bore with a bore axis having an open end at the bottom surface of the seat, and a securing mechanism for securing the cutting insert in the seat. The securing mechanism includes a securing pin within the seat bore and a body with an outer surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the body. The securing mechanism includes a displacement arrangement separate from the securing pin for axially displacing the securing pin along the bore axis of the seat bore between a first, mounting position and a second, securing position.

This is a National Phase Application filed under 35 U.S.C. 371 as a national stage of PCT/IL2008/000778, filed Jun. 5, 2008, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is for a patent of Addition to our Applications Ser. No. 183,721 filed Jun. 6, 2007, Ser. No. 184,091 filed Jun. 20, 2007, Ser. No. 184,742 filed 19 Jul. 2007, Ser. No. 18,659 filed 10 Oct. 2007 and Ser. No. 190,100 filed Mar. 11, 2008, and discloses several additional variations and improvements in the cutting tool and cutting insert therefor described in those patent applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The cutting edges of cutting tools wear rapidly when used for cutting operations, particularly when cutting hard materials such as metal, and therefore they must be frequently replaced or resharpened. In many types of cutter machines, such as milling machines, the cutting tool includes a plurality of such cutting edges formed in cutting inserts which are fixed within seats in the cutting tool. Each such cutting insert usually includes a plurality of cutting edges, which are sequentially oriented in cutting operations by indexing the cutting insert within the respective seat of the cutting tool.

In the conventional cutting tool, the cutting insert is attached within the seat of the cutting tool by a fastener passing through a bore in the cutting insert into the bottom of the seat in the cutting tool. Indexing the cutting insert to enable the use of another cutting edge requires the removal of the fastener, the reorientation of the cutting insert, and the reattachment of the cutting insert within the seat of the cutting tool. Each of these operations involves time and labor, and since cutting tools generally include a plurality of such cutting inserts, the time and labor costs involved in indexing the cutting inserts in a cutting tool are considerable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a cutting tool, and a cutting insert therefor, which enable indexing of the cutting insert to be effected in a minimum of time and with a minimum of labor. Another object of the invention is to provide a cutting tool, and a cutting insert thereof, which do not require the use of a separate fastener to be inserted and removed in order to permit the mounting of the cutting insert onto the cutting, as well as attachment and detachment of the cutting insert during an indexing operation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cutting tool holder adapted for mounting thereon a cutting insert having a top face, a bottom face and formed with an insert bore having an inner surface extending between said top and said bottom face; said holder comprising a seat defined by a bottom surface and at least one side wall angled to said bottom surface, a seat bore with a bore axis having an open end at the bottom surface of said seat, and a securing mechanism for securing said cutting insert in said seat, said securing mechanism comprising a securing pin received within said seat bore and having a body with an outer surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the body and defining a pin axis therealong, and a displacement arrangement adapted for axially displacing said securing pin along the bore axis of said seat bore between at least a first, mounting position in which said distal end protrudes from within the seat bore through said bottom surface into said seat to a first extent so as to allow said cutting insert to be placed within the seat, having its bottom face aligned against said bottom surface, and a second, securing position in which said distal end protrudes from within the seat bore through said bottom surface into said seat to a second extent, greater than said first extent, so as to engage the inner surface of said insert bore, thereby securing said insert in place.

It should be understood that the term ‘aligned’ refers to a configuration in which said bottom face and said bottom surface are generally parallel to one another. It should also be understood that said bottom face and bottom surface do not necessarily have to be in contact with one another, i.e. may be spaced from one another.

In addition, it is to be further understood that the term ‘mounting position’ is used hereinafter to define a position allowing not only mounting of the cutting insert onto the holder, but also dismounting of the cutting insert therefrom, as well as releasing the cutting insert to a certain extent allowing changing orientation thereof.

According to a specific example of the present invention, the arrangement may be such that in both positions said proximal end may be located within said seat bore. Alternatively, according to another example, said seat bore may be adapted for receiving an intermediary arrangement having a bore adapted to receive said securing pin, in which case in both positions, said proximal end located within the bore of said intermediary arrangement.

Said cutting insert may be further formed with a side face, wherein when the cutting insert is secured within the seat of the cutting tool holder, the securing pin is adapted to apply pressure on the inner surface of said insert bore so as to facilitate firm engagement of said at least one side face with said at least one side wall of said seat. Said cutting insert may further be formed with another side face comprising a cutting edge.

The arrangement of said securing pin and the inner surface of said cutting insert may be such that the pin axis is angled to the inner surface of said cutting insert to thereby apply pressure to said inner surface in the direction of said at least one side wall, i.e. such that a portion of the cutting insert defined between the inner surface and said at least one side face facing the side wall of said seat is fastened between the distal end of said securing pin and said side wall. Such an arrangement may be achieved by any of the following configurations:

-   -   the securing pin has a surface portion pin axis is perpendicular         to the bottom surface of said seat and the inner surface of said         cutting insert is angled to bottom face thereof;     -   the pin axis is angled to the bottom surface, i.e. not         perpendicular thereto and the inner surface of said cutting         insert is perpendicular to said bottom face; and     -   both the pin axis and the inner surface are angled, i.e. not         perpendicular, to the bottom surface of the seat and the bottom         face of the cutting insert respectively.

It should also be noted in this connection that the angle between the bottom surface of said seat and said at least one side wall is not limited to an acute angle and may be a straight angle (90° and may even be an obtuse angle.

Said displacement arrangement may be an arrangement separate from the securing pin adapted to mechanically engage the securing pin, or the proximal end thereof, such that displacement of the arrangement entails displacement of the securing pin in the axial direction. Examples of such arrangement may be a biasing spring, a bolt or a wedge adapted to press against the securing pin.

In particular, when a biasing spring is used as suggested above, it may be arranged such that the securing pin is constantly urged by the biasing spring into said securing position. Thus, switching the securing pin's position to the mounting position may be achieved by simple depression of the biasing spring.

Specifically, in order to release a cutting insert from the holder, depression of the biasing spring may be achieve by applying pressure on the securing pin. According to one example, the cutting insert may be formed such that the insert bore is open at both ends, i.e. at the top and bottom face, wherein a pressure instrument may be inserted into the bore through the top face of the insert to apply pressure to the distal end of the securing pin for depression of the biasing spring. According to another example, said securing pin may be formed with a nook and said holder or said cutting insert is formed with a recess, arranged so as to be aligned with said nook at said securing position. Thus, a pressure instrument may be inserted into said recess to be received within said nook and apply pressure to said securing pin for depression of the biasing spring.

Alternatively, the securing pin may be integrally formed with the displacement arrangement, such that displacement of the pin in a certain direction entails its axial movement. One example of such an arrangement may be one in which said securing pin is formed with an external thread receivable within an inner thread of said seat bore such that rotation of the pin entails progression thereof along the axial direction. The securing pin may be formed at one of its ends with a bolt head adapted for receiving a rotary instrument such as a screwdriver adapted for rotation of the securing pin.

In particular, said securing pin may be designed such that the distal end thereof is formed with the bolt head, wherein said rotary instrument is adapted to engage the securing pin from the top, i.e. such that is first passes through said cutting insert to engage the bolt head. In such a case, the insert bore may have an opening at both the top and bottom face. Alternatively, said proximal end may be formed with said bolt head wherein said rotary instrument is adapted to engage the securing pin from the bottom, i.e. such that is first passes through the holder to engage the bolt head.

However, as previously defined, in displacement of the securing pin between the mounting position and the securing pin, the distal end of the securing pin, regardless of its being formed with a bolt head or not, is displaced farther away from the bottom surface and into the seat.

It should be noted with respect to the above examples, that the time required for mounting, dismounting or reversing a cutting insert is generally less time consuming than similar operations in conventional cutting tools (bolting), this being a result, inter alia, of the simplified method of changing the position of the securing pin (e.g. depression of a spring), and the fact that the securing pin remains within the seat bore at all times. This latter feature for example, may reduce the risk of losing a bolt during such an operation. It should also be noted that the importance of reducing the amount of time required for performing the above operation increases in direct proportion to the number of cutting inserts used in the cutting tool.

Said tool holder may be formed with two adjacent side walls, and the seat may be adapted is adapted to receive the cutting insert such that two adjacent side faces of the cutting insert are aligned with said two adjacent side walls of the seat. The two adjacent side walls of the seat may further be formed with a seat securing portion adapted to securely engage a matching insert securing portion formed in the two adjacent side faces of the cutting insert. The securing portion of said side face and side wall may be formed as a male/female type connection. For example, said side face may be formed with a groove extending along said side face generally parallel to said bottom surface, and defined by a first and a second groove surface, angled to one another, and said side wall may be formed with a corresponding protrusion, similarly extending, and being defined by a first and a second protrusion surfaces, matchingly angled to one another to be received within said groove. The angle between the groove surfaces may range from 150° to 30°.

In operation, a variety of loads is applied to the cutting insert, inter alia, an axial load in a direction generally perpendicular to said bottom surface which may cause disengagement of the bottom face from the bottom surface. However, the above described engagement between the securing portion of the side walls of the seat and the securing portion of the side faces of the cutting insert may be such that the cutting insert is adapted to bear against said axial load, so long as the bottom face of the cutting insert is prevented from sliding displacement with respect to the bottom surface of said seat in a direction facing away from said side walls. In other words, so long as disengagement of the securing portion of the side faces from the securing portion of the side walls is prevented, the cutting insert may withstand the axial load and prevent disengagement of the bottom face from the bottom surface.

For this purpose, said tool holder may be formed with an arresting member and said cutting insert may be formed with an arresting portion adapted to engage said arresting member when mounted onto the seat of the tool holder, in a manner preventing said sliding displacement. According to one example of the present invention, said securing pin may also constitute the arresting member, wherein the pressure applied to the inner surface of the cutting insert thereby is such that prevents said sliding displacement.

In addition, said cutting tool is also adapted to withstand a tangential load, i.e. a load applied in a direction parallel to the bottom surface and bottom face of the tool holder and cutting insert respectively, applying pressure against the side wall of said seat. According to a specific example, the side wall may be angled to the bottom surface at an acute angle, and said side face may be correspondingly angled to the bottom face at an acute angle. Such an arrangement may provide that the pressure applied to the side face due to the tangential load causes a wedge effect entailing downward pressure on the cutting insert firmly pressing the bottom face of the cutting insert to the bottom surface of the seat. It should also be noted that the angle is such that the wedge effect is sufficient to overcome the static friction generated between the side face and the side wall.

Said cutting tool holder may be used for a variety of cutting operations such as milling, drilling, turning etc. and may be adapted to receive a plurality of cutting inserts simultaneously.

According to one specific design embodiment of the present invention, said cutting tool holder may be used for a milling operation, in which case said cutting insert is a milling insert. Said tool holder may be adapted for receiving a plurality of milling inserts.

According to another specific design embodiment, said cutting tool is a drilling tool adapted for rotation about a central axis and said cutting insert is in the form of a drill head. Said drill head may comprise a drill head body having drilling portion comprising at least one cutting edge and mounting portion adapted to engage with a securing mechanism, and a positioning element. In addition, said drill head body may be formed with a plurality of body portions, each comprising a drilling portion and a securing mechanism. Accordingly, said tool holder may be formed with a plurality of seat portions adapted for securely receiving therein the securing mechanisms.

The securing mechanism may be formed with an insert bore adapted to receive a securing pin of the cutting tool, and a bottom and side faces adapted for alignment against corresponding bottom surface and side walls in a manner similar to that previously described. Particularly, the arrangement may be such that the side walls of the tool holder are counter-disposed, wherein the drill head is securely held in place and prevented from rotating in one direction (e.g. CW) due to the side walls, and to the other direction (CCW) due to the securing pin.

Additionally, the bottom surface of the seat of the cutting tool may have a conical configuration with respect to the central axis thereof, e.g. having an outer edge and an inner edge, the outer edge being positioned axially lower with respect to the inner edge. The bottom face of the drilling portion of the drill head may have a corresponding opposite configuration, i.e. having an outer edge and an inner edge, the outer edge being positioned axially higher with respect to the inner edge. Such a configuration may facilitate automatic self centralizing of the drill head with respect to the tool holder.

Said positioning element may be adapted to be aligned with a corresponding positioning portion of said tool holder. For example, said positioning element may be an extension receivable within a corresponding bore of said tool holder. The positioning portions of the drill head and of the tool holder may be formed with a bayonet arrangement, for further securing the drill head from disengaging from the tool holder.

According to another example, the cutting tool is a variable diameter cutting tool adapted for rotation about a central axis thereof, and for receiving at least two cutting inserts circumferentially disposed about the central axis. Said cutting tool may further comprise a diameter regulating arrangement adapted for radially displacing the cutting inserts with respect to said central axis in order to increase/decrease the circumference envelope of the cutting tool.

In particular, said diameter regulating arrangement may have a portion thereof constituting the side wall of said seat, outwardly slanted from the central axis with respect to the bottom surface. Said side wall may thus extend between a proximal end adjacent said bottom surface and spaced at a radius r₁ from the central axis, and a distal end remote from the bottom surface and spaced at a radius r₂>r₁ from the central axis. Correspondingly, the cutting insert may be formed with a side face slanted with respect to the bottom face thereof, and extending between a top end adjacent said top face and a bottom end adjacent said bottom face. The angle between the side face and the bottom face may be such that allows aligning the side face of the cutting insert with the side wall of diameter regulating arrangement.

Said diameter regulating arrangement may be adapted to displace with respect to said bottom surface, and in particularly, displace such that the distal end of said side wall changes its axial position with respect to the bottom surface.

Thus, due to displacement of the diameter regulating arrangement, each cutting insert may displace between a first, completely overlapping position, in which the top end thereof is adjacent the distal end of side wall of the diameter regulating arrangement, and a second, partially overlapping position in which the top end thereof is adjacent the proximal end of side wall of the diameter regulating arrangement. It should also be noted that said cutting insert may assume a variety of intermediary positions between said completely overlapping and partially overlapping positions.

For example, said varying diameter element may be a screw having a conically shaped head constituting the side wall, wherein screwing and unscrewing of the bolt causes axial displacement of the head thereof and consequently radial displacement of the cutting inserts, facilitated by a wedge effect.

According to another design embodiment, said cutting insert may have a circular form defining a rotation axis, i.e. a cylindrical side face extending between the top and bottom face thereof, such that a cutting edge is defined between the top face and the cylindrical side face. Said cutting insert may be adapted for rotation about said rotation axis during a cutting operation.

In operation, when the cutting insert comes in contact with a workpiece to be cut thereby, the loads applied to the cutting insert prevent rotation of the cutting insert, in particular due to increased static friction forces between the bottom face of the cutting insert and the bottom surface of said seat. However, upon disengagement of the cutting insert from the workpiece, i.e. at the instance the cutting insert disconnects from the workpiece, the load on the cutting insert is drastically reduced. At that particular instance, there exists a minute time interval in which the cutting insert, is not longer in contact with the workpiece compared to the tool holder and the securing pin. At that particular time interval, there is a slight reduction in the pressure applied by the securing pin on the inner surface of the insert bore, allowing the cutting insert to perform a slight rotary motion about its rotation axis.

The above time interval is extremely short, and allows the cutting insert to perform an extremely minute angular rotation about the rotation axis. For example, while a cutting too may perform about 3000 rounds per minute (RPM), the cutting insert may take up to fifteen minutes to complete a full turn, i.e. performing one turn for every 45,000 turns of the cutting tool.

Such an arrangement may provide constant dynamic change of the cutting edge without the intervention of an operator. Constantly changing the cutting edge may help prolong the effective operation time of the cutting tool.

The circular cutting insert may further be formed with ribs disposed on the top surface thereof (serving as rake), arranged such that during a cutting operation, the cutting insert is urged to rotate in only one direction.

It should be noted in this respect that the rotation of the circular cutting insert is facilitated by the specific mounting arrangement according to the preset invention. In other words, in conventional mounting using a screw fastener, the cutting insert is much more restricted in its movement and is less likely to perform a constant dynamic rotation about the axis thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutting insert configured for used with the cutting tool holder of the previous aspect of the present invention.

In particular, said cutting insert may be configured to operate in conjunction with the securing mechanism of the cutting tool holder of the previous aspect of the present invention.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided cutting insert adapted to be mounted onto a seat of a cutting tool holder having a bottom surface and at least two adjacent side walls extending therefrom, said cutting insert having a top face and a bottom face defining therebetween a central axis, and at least two adjacent side faces extending between said top face and said bottom face, such that when mounted onto said seat said bottom face is aligned with said bottom surface; each of said two adjacent side faces being formed with an insert locking portion which is adapted, when said cutting insert is mounted onto said seat, to securely engage a corresponding seat locking portion formed in each of said two adjacent side walls to thereby prevent displacement of said bottom face with respect to said bottom surface in an axial direction; said cutting insert further being formed with an arresting portion adapted, when said cutting insert is mounted onto said seat, to engage a corresponding arresting member of said cutting tool holder, so as to prevent sliding displacement of said bottom face with respect to said bottom surface, thereby ensuring secure engagement between said insert locking portion and said seat locking portion.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutting tool comprising a cutting tool holder and a cutting insert according to the previous aspects of the present invention.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for mounting a cutting insert according to one aspect of the present invention onto a seat of a cutting tool holder according to another aspect of the present invention, said method including:

-   -   displacing a securing pin of said tool holder into a first,         mounting position in which the distal end thereof protrudes from         within the seat bore through said bottom surface into said seat         to a first extent;     -   placing said cutting insert onto said seat such that the bottom         face thereof is aligned with the bottom surface of said seat;         and     -   displacing said securing pin into a second, securing position in         which said distal end protrudes from within the seat bore         through said bottom surface into said seat to a second extent,         greater than said first extent, so as to engage the inner         surface of said insert bore, thereby securing said insert in         place;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a typical cutting tool comprising a cutting tool holder and a cutting insert according to the prior art;

FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting tool comprising a cutting tool holder and a cutting insert according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting tool according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 2B;

FIGS. 4A to 4C are schematic cross-sectional views of three stages involved in mounting the cutting insert as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3 into the seat of the cutting tool holder shown in the same Figs.;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one modification of the cutting tool shown in FIGS. 2B and 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of the cutting tool and cutting insert of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another modification of the cutting tool shown in FIGS. 2B and 3;

FIGS. 8 to 11 are schematic cross-sectional views of the cutting tool according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cutting tool in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic top view of the upper surface of the cutting insert used in the cutting tool shown in FIG. 12, with the securing pin removed to show the configuration of the bore therein;

FIG. 14 is a schematic top view similar to that of FIG. 13, showing the securing pin;

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another construction of the cutting tool according to still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting tool according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 17 to 20 are schematic cross-sectional views of illustrate a cutting tool according to still further embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of cutting tool according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 22 to 24 are schematic cross-sectional views of cutting tools employing various cutting inserts according to different embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting tool according to still a further embodiment of the present invention employing a reversible cutting insert;

FIGS. 26A to 26C are schematic top views of three variations of the embodiment of the cutting tool shown FIG. 25;

FIGS. 27A to 27C are schematic top views of three additional variations of the above embodiments of the cutting tool according to the present invention;

FIG. 28A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the cutting tool, similar to that shown in FIG. 25;

FIGS. 28B to 28D are schematic side, top and perspective views, respectively, of the securing pin used in the cutting tool shown in FIG. 28 a;

FIGS. 28E to 28G are schematic top, cross-sectional and broken-perspective views respectively of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 28 a;

FIGS. 29A to 29C are schematic perspective, side and top views of another embodiment of the securing pin used in the cutting tool shown in FIG. 28 a;

FIG. 30A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting tool according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30B is a schematic top view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 30 a;

FIG. 30C is a schematic perspective view of the securing pin shown in FIG. 30 a;

FIG. 31A is a schematic exploded perspective view of a cutting tool according to a still further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31B is a schematic top plan view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 31 a;

FIG. 31C is a perspective view of a securing pin used in the cutting tool shown in FIG. 31 a;

FIG. 32A is a schematic exploded perspective view of a still further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 32B is a schematic top plan view of FIG. 32 a;

FIG. 32C is a schematic perspective view of the securing pin used in the cutting tool shown in FIG. 32 a;

FIG. 32D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cutting insert used in the cutting tool shown in FIG. 32 a;

FIG. 32E is a schematic cross-sectional view of a spring disc used in the cutting tool shown in FIG. 32 a;

FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting tool according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 34A to 34C are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating three stages of mounting a cutting insert into a seat of a cutting tool holder according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting tool according to still a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a cutting tool holder and a triangular cutting insert according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic exploded perspective view of cutting tool holder and a rectangular cutting insert according to still a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 39B is an isometric section view of a cutting tool according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a partially exploded perspective view of a milling tool and a plurality of cutting inserts according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a milling tool comprising a plurality of circular cutting inserts in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a partially exploded view of the milling tool shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is an enlarged top view of one of the cutting inserts used in the milling tool shown in FIGS. 41 and 42;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged perspective section view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45A is an isometric view of a drilling tool comprising a drill holder and a drill head according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45B is an isometric view of an enlarged detail A shown in FIG. 45A;

FIG. 45C is an isometric view of detail A shown in FIG. 45B with the drill head removed;

FIG. 45D is a top view of the drilling tool shown in FIG. 45A;

FIG. 45E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the drilling tool taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 45D;

FIG. 45F is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the drilling tool taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 45D;

FIG. 45G is an enlarged view of a detail B shown in FIG. 45D;

FIGS. 45H to 45L are respective isometric, side, top, front and bottom views of a drill head used in the drilling tool of FIGS. 45A to 45F;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a drilling tool according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 47A and 47B are isometric and top views of a variable diameter cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47C is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 47B;

FIG. 47D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cutting tool shown in FIGS. 47A to 47C, in an additional operational position;

FIGS. 48A and 48B are isometric and top views of the variable diameter cutting tool shown in FIGS. 47A to 47D, with the cutting inserts removed;

FIG. 48C is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 48B;

FIGS. 49A and 49B are isometric and top views of a variable diameter cutting tool according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 49C is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 47B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1, a typical cutting tool according to the prior art is shown comprising a cutting tool holder and cutting insert. It is observed that the construction therein illustrated includes a cutting tool holder 2 formed with a seat 3 for receiving the cutting insert 4 having a plurality of cutting edges, one of which is shown at 5. The cutting insert 4 is further formed with a central bore 6 for receiving a threaded fastener 7 having an enlarged conical head 8. The fastener 7 is essentially a bolt inserted into and passed through bore 6 from its top side and threaded into a threaded socket 9 formed in the bottom surface of the seat 3.

It is observed that in such a prior art construction, each time the cutting insert 4 is to be mounted, dismounted, reversed or rotated to orient a fresh cutting edge 5 for a cutting operation, it is necessary to remove the fastener 7, remove the cutting insert 4, rotate it a partial rotation (e.g., 90° in a square cutting insert having four cutting edges on its top face, and four cutting edges on its bottom face), and reapply fastener 7 through bore 6 into socket 9 of the cutting tool. The term ‘remove’ is referred to herein as defining that the fastener 7 is completely disengaged from, and does not contact the tool holder 2. This series of operations requires significant labor and time for each cutting insert to be indexed, which is multiplied by the number of such cutting inserts used in a cutting tool. In addition, once the fastener 7 is removed, it may be displaced or lost, which may further consume valuable time.

With reference to FIG. 2A, a cutting tool, generally designated 10 is shown comprising a cutting tool holder 11 and a cutting insert 13 securely received therein by a securing mechanism 11′.

The cutting tool holder 11 is formed with a seat 12 defined by a bottom surface 12 a and a side wall 11 a angled to the bottom surface 12 a at an acute angle. The seat 12 is in turn formed with a seat bore 18 defining an axis Y, and adapted to receive therein the securing mechanism 11′.

The securing mechanism 11′ comprises a hollow securing pin 16 and a biasing spring 17 received therein to engaging therewith. The securing pin 16 has an open proximal end pe received within the seat bore 18 and a closed distal end de axially protruding from the bore 18 through the bottom surface 12 a into the seat 12. The arrangement is such that the biasing spring biases the distal end de of the securing pin 18 to protrude from the bottom surface 12 a.

The securing pin 18 is further has a securing portion adjacent the distal end de thereof, having a tapering shape defining a conical securing surface 16 a. The distal end de is also formed with an indent 16 b, the purpose of which will be discussed with respect to FIGS. 4A to 4C.

The cutting insert 13 has a top and bottom faces 13 a, 13 b respectively, and four side faces 13 c extending therebetween. The cutting insert 13 is formed with a plurality of cutting edges 14 defined at the intersection between the side faces 13 c and the top and bottom faces 13 a, 13 b respectively. The cutting insert 13 is further formed with a conical insert bore 15 adapted for receiving the securing portion of the securing mechanism 11′, and having an inner surface 15 a adapted to engage the securing portion of the securing mechanism 11′.

In assembly, when the cutting insert 13 is mounted onto the seat 12 of the tool holder 11, the bottom face 13 b thereof is flush against the bottom surface 12 a of the seat 12, and a side face 13 c thereof is flush against the side wall 11 a of the seat 12. In this position, the force of the biasing spring 17 urges the securing pin 16 upwards whereby the conical surface 16 a of the securing portion 16 engages the conical surface 15 a of the insert bore 15. Due to the conical shape of the insert bore 15 and the conical surface 16 a, the cutting insert 13 is pressed against the side wall 13 to be firmly held in place. It is also noted that there exists a gap n between the securing pin 16 and the side of the inner surface 15 a opposite the side wall 13.

It should also be noted, that while axial displacement of the securing pin 16 upwards entails lateral displacement of the cutting insert 13 towards the side wall 11 a, an attempt for displacement of the cutting insert 13 in the opposite lateral direction, i.e. away from the side wall 11 a will not entail downward axial displacement of the securing pin 16 back into the seat bore 18. This is due to the tapering angle of the insert bore 15, being close to 0°. In this particular case, the angle β is about 10°. Such an arrangement provides an extremely solid securing of the cutting insert 13 within the seat 12.

As seen in particularly in FIG. 2B, a different design of the cutting insert 13 is shown in which the side face 13 c is formed with a cut-out defining an additional surface 13 g angled thereto, and the seat 12 of the tool holder is formed with a side wall 11 a having a corresponding shape. In this particular design, the cutting insert 13 is laterally pressed to the side wall 11 a by the securing pin 16 such that the bottom face 13 b is flush against the bottom surface 12 a, while the surface 13 g is flush against a matching surface 11 g. This, the surface 13 c of the side face does not come in contact with the side wall 11 a, and may be used to relief pressure as known per se.

FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate how such a construction enables the cutting insert 13 to be applied to the cutting tool holder 11 and secured therein without the need for applying and removing separate fastening elements.

In the initial position shown in FIG. 4A, the securing pin 16 is in a securing position, its distal end de protruding from the bottom surface 12 a to an extent P₁ under the biasing force of the spring 17. Also in this position, the proximal end pe of the securing pin 16 is located within the seat bore 18.

In order to mount the cutting insert 13 into the seat 12, the securing pin 16 must first be displaced into a mounting position in which the distal end de thereof protrude from the bottom surface 12 a to an extent P₂<P₁ allowing the cutting insert 13 to be positioned within the seat 12 as previously described. Displacing the securing pin 16 into the mounting position required depressing the biasing spring 17 to allow the securing pin 16 to axially displace into the seat bore 18. Although such depression may be done using an instrument (not shown), it may also be achieved by using the bottom face 13 b of the cutting insert 13 to press down on the securing pin 16 as shown in FIG. 4B. Once the securing pin 16 is depressed to a sufficient extent, i.e. the distal end de thereof protrudes to an extend P₂ or less, the cutting insert 13 may be slid into place.

Once the cutting insert 13 is slid into the seat 12, the securing pin 16 is free to displace axially upwards under the force of the biasing spring 17, such that it is received into the insert bore 15. The securing pin 16 displaces upwards until the securing portion 16 a thereof engages the inner surface 15 a of the insert bore 15. Upon engagement, the securing pin's 16 upward axial displacement entails lateral displacement of the cutting insert 13 towards the side wall 11 a until the cutting insert 13 reaches the position shown in FIG. 4C. In this position, as previously disclosed, the cutting insert 13 is firmly pressed against the bottom surface 12 a and side wall 11 a of the seat 12.

In order to release the cutting insert 13 from the seat 12, it is necessary to displace the securing pin 16 back to the mounting position, i.e. depressing the securing pin 16 such that the distal end de thereof protrudes from the bottom surface 12 a to a small enough extent so as to allow the cutting insert 13 to be removed. This may be achieved, for example, by inserting a tool into the insert bore 15 to engage the V-shaped recess 16 b of the securing pin 16 and applying pressure thereto. Such pressure will cause the securing surface 16 a of the securing pin 16 to disengage from the respective surface 15 a of the cutting insert, thereby enabling the cutting insert 13 to be removed from the cutting tool holder 11. The actual removal may be done by hand, by a magnet, or by a tweezers—type implement.

With respect to the above, the following should be noted:

-   -   the term ‘mounting position’ should be understood in the         broadest sense and refers to a position allowing mounting and         dismounting of the cutting insert 13, as well as rotation of the         cutting insert 13 for the purpose of switching a cutting edge         14; and     -   In both the mounting position and the securing position, the         proximal end pe of the securing pin 16 is received within the         seat bore 12.

The above disclosed cutting tool 10 and stages of mounting/dismounting operations of the cutting insert 13 onto the cutting tool holder 11 are simple, and allow saving a considerable amount of time in performing such operations. Furthermore, since the securing pin 16 remains within the seat bore 18 at all times, there is less risk of losing or misplacing it, as may happen with a screw, as known from the prior art.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a modification wherein the removal of the cutting insert 13, when released by depression of the securing pin 16, is effected by an ejector spring 19 interposed between the cutting insert 13 and the bottom of a second bore 19 a formed in the cutting tool holder 11. As shown in FIG. 6, ejector spring 19 in bore 19 a is located at the juncture of the two sides of the cutting insert formed with the shoulders interlocking with corresponding shoulders in the cutting tool holder 11.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the cutting tool generally designated 21, wherein the cutting insert 23 is formed with cutting edges 24 and central bore 25, and the securing pin 26 is receivable within the bore 25. In this case, only a portion of the distal end de of the securing pin 26 is formed with the tapered surface, as shown at 26 a, conforming to the taper of bore 25 formed in the cutting insert 23. The remainder of securing pin 26 is of cylinder configuration, as shown at 26 b. The proximal end of the securing pin is formed with an annular step 26 c, and with an outwardly-extending flange 26 d engageable with an annular shoulder 21 a formed in the cutting tool 21 defining the seat 23. FIG. 7 illustrates the operative position of the cutting insert 23, corresponding to that of FIG. 4C.

As further shown in FIG. 7, the bottom of bore 28, housing securing pin 26 and its spring 27, is closed by a closure plate 29 secured to the cutting tool 21 by fastener 29 a. Fastener 29 a is provided merely to facilitate assembly of the cutting tool and its spring-urged securing pin 26 and, of course, need not be removed when removing the cutting insert or when indexing it to enable a fresh cutting edge to be used.

In FIG. 7, the angle defined by the bottom face and side wall of the cutting insert 23 is indicated as “α”, and the angle of the inner surface of the cutting insert 23 defining the bore 25 with the bottom surface of the cutting insert is indicated as “β”. Angle α may be equal to, but is preferably less than angle β. For example, angle α may be 75°; angle β may be 82.5°; each of the opposite faces of the cutting insert may be 15 mm×15 mm; and the thickness of the cutting insert may be 7.5 mm.

FIG. 8 illustrates a variation wherein a cutting tool 31 is formed with a seat 32 for receiving cutting insert 33 having a plurality of cutting edges 34 and formed with a bore 35 receiving a securing pin 36 urged by spring 37 in the outward direction to its securing position. In the modification illustrated in FIG. 8, bore 35 formed in the cutting insert 33 is of a tapered configuration, whereas the securing pin 36 is of a uniform diameter or cylindrical configuration.

In this case, engagement between the securing pin 16 and the insert bore 35 takes place between the top edge of the securing pin 16 and the inner surface of the insert bore 35.

FIG. 9 illustrates a further modification, wherein the bore 45 in the cutting insert 43 is of a cylindrical configuration, whereas the distal of securing pin 46 is of a tapered configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further modification wherein both the bore 55 in the cutting insert 53 and the distal end de of the securing pin 56 are of a tapered configuration, but the interlocking surfaces between the cutting insert 53 and the cutting tool holder 51 are in the form of a rib 51 a formed in the side wall 51′ of the cutting tool holder 51, and a recess 53 a is formed in the cutting insert 53.

FIG. 11 illustrates a further modification wherein the cutting tool holder 61 is formed with a shoulder 61 a adapted for engaging a shoulder 63 a formed in the cutting insert 63 in the secured position of the cutting insert. Another modification in FIG. 11 is that, in addition to spring 67 received within bore 68 for urging the securing pin 66 in the outward direction, there is also provided a second spring 69 within a bore 69 a for urging the cutting insert 63 out of the seat in the cutting tool 61 upon the depression of the securing pin 66, similar to that disclosed in FIG. 5.

Turning now to FIGS. 12 to 16, in the embodiments of the invention described the securing pin is not spring biased in the outward direction, but rather is fixed to the bottom of the seat.

With respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14, it will be seen that the cutting tool 71 is formed with a seat 72 for receiving the cutting insert 73 formed with a plurality of cutting edges 74. The cutting insert 73 is further formed with a bore 75 therethrough which, as described above with respect to FIG. 1, is normally used for receiving a fastener (7, FIG. 1) for attaching the cutting insert to the cuter tool. In the previously-described embodiments, bore 75 is used for receiving a securing pin (e.g., 16, FIG. 2) which is spring-urged in the outward direction. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 14, however, the securing pin, therein designated 76, is fixed to, by being integrally formed with, the bottom of seat 72 at an oblique angle with respect to the bottom surface of the seat.

To accommodate the obliqueness of securing pin 76, bore 75 in the cutting insert 73 is formed with extensions or enlargements on the outer surface of the cutting insert. FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a construction wherein the cutting insert may be indexed to four positions to enable four cutting edges 74 on each of the two sides to be used for cutting operations. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13, bore 75 in the cutting insert includes four such extensions or enlargements, each having an axis displaced 90° with respect to the axis of the next extension or enlargement. FIG. 14 illustrates the cutting insert 73 after receiving the obliquely-extending securing pin 76.

As also seen in FIG. 12, the cutting insert 73 is of a similar construction as described above, e.g., with respect to FIG. 2, namely it includes flat upper and lower faces of square configuration, and four side walls of rhombic configuration, such as to present four cutting edges 74 on each side of the insert, or a total of eight cutting edge for cutting operations.

In FIG. 12, the angle “α” and “β” may be the same as angles α and β, respectively, in FIG. 7. That is, α is preferable equal to or less than β. For example, α could be 75°, β could be 82.5°, and the cutting insert 73 could be 15 mm×15 mm×7.5 mm.

Turning now to FIG. 15, another embodiment of the cutting too according to the present invention is illustrates, generally designated 80. In this embodiment, the seat bore receives a securing construction 85 comprising a support 86, formed at a distal end thereof with a pin bore 89 a adapted to receive the securing pin 89. The securing construction further comprises a fixation element 87 transversally disposed about the securing pin 89, and biased by a spring 88.

The entire securing construction is fixed in place by the support 86 being fixed to the cutting tool 81 by a threaded fastener 86 a, similar to the construction illustrated in FIG. 7. As clearly seen in FIG. 15, the support 86 is coaxial with bore 85, and both axes are at an oblique angle to the bottom surface of the seat 82.

The securing pin 89 is formed with a cam surface 89 b engageable with a cam surface 87 c of the fixation element 87, and the fixation element is formed with a fixating shoulder 87 b adapted to engage a corresponding shoulder 83 b of the cutting insert. The arrangement is such that, when the securing pin 89 is depressed, the two cam surfaces cause the fixation element 87 to be displaced laterally away from the side wall 81 a of the seat 82. This lateral displacement allows releasing the securing protrusion 89 b from the securing shoulder 83 b of the insert, and thereby to permit to the cutting insert to be withdrawn from the seat 82.

It therefore follows, that when the securing pin 89 is in the securing position, the distal end de thereof protrudes to a first extent from the pin bore 89 a, and when the securing pin 89 is in a second position, it protrudes from the pin bore 89 a to a second, lesser extent, allowing a cutting insert to be mounted into the tool holder 81.

FIG. 16 illustrates a construction similar to that of FIG. 15, and therefore to facilitate understanding, the corresponding parts have been identified by the same reference numerals. In the construction illustrated in FIG. 16, the cutting tool is provided with a spring ejector, in the form of two pins 91, 92, each urged by a spring 93, 94, into engagement with the lower surface of the cutting insert 83, such that when the securing pin 89 is depressed to release the cutting insert for removal from seat 82 of the cutting tool 81, by disengagement of fixating shoulder 87 b from shoulder 83 b, the spring ejector forces the cutting insert out of the seat 82 for convenient removal therefrom.

Attention is now drawn to FIGS. 17 to 21 illustrating several embodiments of the cutting tool according to the present invention in which the securing pin is manually movable within the bore of the cutting insert to a securing position or to a mounting position.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 17, the cutting tool 101 is formed with a seat 102 for receiving the cutting insert 103 such as to define one or more cutting edges 104 for cutting operations. The cutting insert 103 is formed with a bore 105 which receives a securing pin 106 when the cutting insert is inserted into seat 102.

In the construction illustrated in FIG. 17, the securing pin 106 is formed with a tapered head 106 a at its distal end, and with an externally-threaded shank 106 b threaded in an internally-threaded bore 107 extending through the cutting tool 101. The proximal end of securing pin 106 projecting outwardly of bore 107 carries a knob 109 which may be manually rotated in either direction. The axis of the securing pin 106 is substantially parallel to the axis of bore 105 in the cutting insert 103.

It will thus be seen that, when the securing pin 106 is rotated in one direction by knob 109, it is moved axially upwardly to bring its tapered head 106 a into firm contact with the inner surface 105 a of the cutting insert 103 defining its bore 105, thereby displacing the cutting insert laterally to firmly secure it within seat 102 of the cutting tool 101. On the other hand, when knob 109 is rotated in the opposite direction, securing pin 106 is moved downwardly within bore 105, thereby causing the tapered head 106 a of the securing pin to disengage from the inner surface 105 b of the insert 103 defining bore 105, to release the cutting insert for removal, or for mounting a new cutting insert into the seat.

FIG. 18 illustrates a modification of FIG. 17, wherein the securing pin 116 is formed with an enlarged head 116 a at its distal formed with a notch 116 b accessible via the open end of bore 115 by a tool, in order to rotate the securing pin 116 to its respective securing and mounting positions.

However it should be noted than in both cases, the in order to secure the cutting insert in place, the distal end of the securing pin should be displaced axially upwards, i.e. away from the bottom surface and into the seat.

FIG. 19 illustrates another construction, wherein the securing pin 126 is not externally threaded, but rather is moved axially within bore 125 by a moving pin 127 threaded in bore 128 formed in a wall 129 of cutting tool 121 defining the seat 122. As shown in FIG. 19, the inner end of the moving pin 127 is tapered, as shown at 127 a, and the lower surface of securing pin 126 is tapered, as shown at 126 a, such that threading pin 127 inwardly will raise securing pin 126 to firmly bear against the inner surface of the cutting insert 123, and thereby to secure it in position, whereas rotating pin 127 in the opposite direction, will release the distal of securing pin 126 from its securing position with respect to the cutting insert 123.

FIG. 20 illustrates a still further construction in which the axis of the securing pin 136 is oblique to the axis of bore 135 in the cutting insert 133. In this case, the distal 136 a of the securing pin 136 is not necessarily tapered, or may be tapered for only a short portion, since the rotation of knob 139 will also secure and release the securing pin 136 in the same manner as described above with respect to FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 illustrates a construction similar to that of FIG. 20, except that, instead of moving the securing pin to its securing and releasing positions by a manual knob, the securing pin, therein designated 146, is spring-urged by spring 147 to its securing position, and is depressible by a tool engaging the upper surface of the securing pin to the releasing position.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of FIGS. 17 to 19 could also be modified by including a spring to press the securing pin to its securing position, and by engaging its upper surface with a tool for moving the securing pin to its releasing position.

Turning now to FIG. 22, there is illustrates a cutting tool 151 formed with a seat 152 for receiving a cutting insert 153 having a plurality of cutting edges 154 and formed with a central bore 155. The cutting tool 151 further includes a securing pin 156 located within bore 155 and having an axis oblique to that of the axis of the bore and of the seat 152. Pin 156 is urged in the direction of the arrow by a spring 157 within a bore 158 in the cutting tool, and includes a tapered outer surface 156 a at its distal end engageable with the wall of the bore 155 of the cutting insert 153.

It will be seen that bore 155 is tapered in the opposite direction from the constructions previously described; that is, it increases in diameter in the outward direction; also that side wall 151 a and bottom wall 151 b of the cutting tool 151, defining the seat 152 for receiving the cutting insert 153 at the side thereof opposite to the cutting edge 154, are perpendicular to each other; that is, α=90°.

It will be further seen that the axis of the securing pin 156 (β) to the bottom wall of seat 152 is at a smaller angle than the angle (γ) of the inner surface of bore 153 to the bottom wall of the seat; also that pin 156 is urged by spring 157 outwardly to a securing position with respect to the cutting insert 153, but may be manually depressed outwardly to release the cutting insert for indexing a fresh cutting edge 154 for a cutting operation.

FIG. 23 illustrates a similar construction wherein the cutting tool 161 is also formed with a seat 162 for receiving a cutting insert 163 formed with a cutting edge 164 and a central bore 165 for receiving a securing pin 166 having an upper tapered surface 166 a engageable with the inner surface of cutting insert 163 defining its bore 165. In FIG. 23, however, securing pin 166 is not spring-urged to its securing position, but rather includes threads 166 b and a knob 166 c which is rotatable in one direction to secure the cutting insert within seat 162, or in the opposite direction to release the cutting insert for removal from that seat.

Another difference in the construction of FIG. 23 is that the side wall 161 a and bottom wall 161 b, defining the seat 162 opposite to the cutting edge 164, is at an obtuse angle; that is, angle α is greater than 90°. However, the cutting insert still remains securely positioned in the mounting position since the inclination angle δ of the axis of the securing pin 166 is greater than α.

With reference to FIG. 24, there is illustrated a construction also similar to that of FIG. 22, with the difference being that the side wall 171 a and bottom wall 171 b of cutting tool 171, defining the seat 172 for receiving the cutting insert 173, is at an acute angle to each other; that is angle α is less than 90°.

Turning now to FIG. 25 a further construction of the cutting tool is shown wherein the cutting tool holder 181 is formed with a seat 182 for receiving the cutting insert 183 having a cutting edge 184 and a central bore 185. In this case, however, the cutting insert 183 is reversible, and the bore 185 is formed with two tapered sections from its mid portion 185 a. Thus, one section 185 b tapers from the mid section 185 a outwardly to one face (the inner face) of the cutting insert, whereas the other section 185 c tapers from mid portion 185 a outwardly in the direction of its opposite face (the outer face) of the cutting insert.

Securing pin 186 in FIG. 25 has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of bore 185 and includes an upper tapered surface 186 a which is urged by spring 187 in bore 188 into contact with the inner surface of bore 185.

It will thus be seen that the construction illustrated in FIG. 25 enables the cutting insert 183 to be inserted into seat 182 with either face of the cutting insert facing the bottom of the seat 182, thereby enabling all the cutting edges 184 on each of the two opposite faces of the cutting insert to be oriented for use during a cutting operation. For example, if cutting insert 183 includes four edges 184 on each face, this arrangement enables eight cutting edges to be used for cutting operations.

FIG. 26A is a top view of the construction illustrated in FIG. 25, wherein side wall 181 a and bottom wall 181 b of the cutting tool holder, defining the seat 182 for receiving the cutting insert 183, are at an acute angle to each other on two contiguous sides, thereby defining two projections 189 a, 189 b for securing the cutting insert 183 within seat 182 of the cutting tool. FIG. 26B illustrates a variation wherein the two walls 181 a and 181 b of the cutter defining seat 182 are at an acute angle at only one side of the cutting insert, thereby defining a single projection 189 a in the securing position of the cutting insert. FIG. 26C illustrates a variation wherein the two walls 181 a and 181 b are perpendicular to each other such that no projection is formed in the securing position of the cutting insert, but the cutting insert is secured in position within the cutting tool by the lateral force applied by pin 186 to the cutting insert.

In most of the above-described embodiments, the securing pin is of circular cross-section. FIGS. 27A to 27C illustrate several further variations that may be made.

FIG. 27A illustrates a cutting insert 193 receiving a securing pin 196 of oblong cross-section; FIG. 27B illustrates a cutting insert 203 for receiving a securing pin 206 of square cross-section; and FIG. 27C illustrates a cutting insert 213 for receiving two securing pins 216 a, 216 b.

FIGS. 28A to 28G illustrate a cutting tool similar to that of FIGS. 25 and 26A to 26C, but including a bore 225 in the cutting insert 223, and a securing pin 226 of a polygonal figuration, more particularly of a rectangular configuration (FIG. 28C), rather than the cylindrical configuration of bore 185 and securing pin 186 in the construction of FIGS. 25 and 26A to 26C.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 28A, the cutting tool holder 221 is formed with a seat 222 for receiving the cutting insert 223 of a square configuration as cutting insert 183 in FIGS. 25 and 26A to 26C. Cutting insert 223 is also formed with a plurality of cutting edges 224, and a central bore 225 of a polygonal configuration, in this case of a square configuration (FIG. 28C), rather than of a circular configuration as indicated above.

Thus, as shown more particularly in FIGS. 28E to 28G, cutting insert 223 is formed with a square bore defined by four flat sides 223 a-223 d. Cutting insert 223 defining square bore 225 is further formed with four small-diameter circular bores 223 c-223 h, one at each of the junctures of two of its flat sides. The smaller bores 223 c-223 h facilitate the manufacture of the square bore 225, and also distribute and relieve the stresses at the junctures of the flat sides.

In addition, and as shown in FIG. 28A, bore 225 is further formed with two tapered sections from its mid portion 225 a, as in FIG. 25, wherein one portion 225 b tapers from the mid portion 225 a outwardly to one face (the inner face) of the cutting insert, and the other section 225 c tapers from mid portion 225 a outwardly in the direction of its opposite face (the outer face) of the cutting insert.

Securing pin 226 has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of bore 225, and includes an upper tapered surface 226 a (on one of its flat sides, which side is urged by spring 227 in bore 228 into contact with the inner surface of bore 225 in the cutting insert 221.

It will thus be seen that the construction illustrated in FIGS. 28A to 28G similarly enables the cutting insert 223 to be inserted into seat 222 with either face of the cutting insert facing the bottom of the seat 222, thereby enabling all the cutting edges 224 on each of the two opposite faces of the cutting insert to be oriented for use during a cutting operation. Whereas, in FIGS. 25 and 26A to 26C bore 185 in cutting insert 183, and the upper part of the securing pin cooperable with the sides of the bore, are both of a circular configuration, in the construction illustrated in FIGS. 28A to 28G both are of a polygonal configuration, more particularly a square configuration. It will also be observed as clearly seen in FIGS. 28A to 28D that the flat side 226 a of securing pin 226 cooperable with the cutting insert 223 is of a tapered configuration, decreasing in length towards its outer face, whereas the remaining three sides 226 b-226 d are of a non-tapered configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 29A to 29C there is illustrated a securing pin 226 of a construction similar to that of the securing pin of FIGS. 28A to 28G, and therefore to facilitate understanding, corresponding parts have been identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference in the construction of FIGS. 29A to 29C is that the tapered face at the distal end of the securing pin 226 is rounded, as shown at 226 a′(FIG. 29A), rather than flat. Such a construction thus provides line contact between tapered side 226 a′ of the securing pin with the corresponding surface of the cutting insert, rather than surface contact, thereby reducing friction.

FIGS. 30A to 30C illustrate a further construction of the cutting tool 231 according to the present invention formed with a seat 232 for receiving the cutting insert 233 having cutting edges 234 and a central bore 235 receiving a securing pin 236. As in the previous constructions, the distal 236 a of securing pin 234 cooperates with the cutting insert 233, whereas the proximal end 236 b of the securing pin includes a spring 237 which urges the distal end into securing position with respect to the cutting insert.

In this case, however, the inner portion 236 b of securing pin 236 received within bore 238 is eccentric with respect to the upper portion 236 a of the securing pin cooperable with cutting insert 233. In addition, the inner end 236 b of securing pin 236 terminates in a disc 236 c, seatable against the bottom of the seat 238 and of the same diameter as the seat. Further, securing pin 236 also includes an intermediate cylindrical section 236 d coaxial with the inner section 236 b and the bottom disc 236 c, and therefore also eccentric with respect to the upper portion 236 a of the securing pin. The intermediate portion 236 d cooperates with the distal end of bore 238 and is of the same diameter as that bore.

Spring 237 is a coiled spring enclosing the inner section 236 b of securing pin 236. One end 237 a of the coil spring is fixed to the inner portion 236 b of the securing pin 236, and the opposite end 237 b is adapted to be received within an opening (not shown) in the cutting tool 23 a adjacent to its bore 238.

It will thus be seen that securing pin 236 is rotatable within bore 235 of insert 233 and bore 238 underlying the seat 232 receiving the cutting insert. It will also be noticed that the bottom disc 236 c and intermediate portion 236 d serve as bearing elements eccentric with respect to the upper portion 236 a of securing pin 236, such that rotation of the securing pin in one direction by spring 237 causes the upper portion 236 a of securing pin 236 to firmly bear against the inner surface of the bore of the cutting insert 233 to secure the cutting insert firmly within the cutting tool 231 for a cutting operation. It will also be observed that securing pin 236 may be manually rotated in the opposite direction (against the force of spring 237) by a wrench inserted within wrench opening 236 e to move the upper portion 236 a of the securing pin to a mounting position with respect to the cutting insert, whenever it is desired to re-index the cutting insert for orienting a new cutting edge for a cutting operation.

FIGS. 31A to 31C illustrate a still further embodiment of the invention, wherein the cutting tool holder 241 is formed with a seat 242 for receiving the cutting insert 243 having a plurality of cutting edges 244. Cutting insert 243 is formed with a bore 245 receiving a securing pin 246, such as to firmly secure the cutting insert 243 to cutting tool holder 241 for orienting a selected cutting edge 244 for a cutting operation.

As shown particularly in FIG. 31C, securing pin 246 includes an outer end 246 a engageable with the sides of bore 245 in the cutting insert 243, and an inner end 246 b which is externally threaded and receivable within an internally threaded bore 248 underlying seat 242 in the cutting tool.

The construction illustrated in FIGS. 31A to 31C is thus of somewhat similar construction to that of the prior art illustrated in FIG. 1, with the following important differences: In the prior art construction, the bore (6) in the cutting insert (4) is of the same diameter as the threaded fastener 7, and the head 8 of the threaded fastener is coaxial with the shank of the threaded fastener 7, and with the threaded bore 9 receiving the fastener. In the novel construction, however, as illustrated in FIGS. 31A-31C, the bore 245 within the cutting insert 243 is of larger diameter than the upper portion 246 a of the securing pin 246, and the upper portion 246 a of the securing pin is eccentric with respect to the threaded portion 246 of the securing pin. The latter is more particularly illustrated in FIGS. 31B and 31C, wherein the axis of the lower threaded portion 246 b of the securing pin is indicated by a₁, and the axis of the upper portion 246 of the securing is indicated by axis a₂.

Thus, it should be understood that whereas in the conventional construction the rotation of the fastening member into the cutting tool holder entails application of downward pressure to the cutting insert in the direction of the bottom surface of the seat, in the present construction, rotation of the securing pin 246 entails lateral pressure in the direction of the side wall of the cutting tool holder 241.

It will thus be noted that, whereas in the prior art of FIG. 1, the fastening pin must be removed in order to index the cutting insert for a new cutting edge, and then reinserted to refasten the cutting insert, in the construction illustrated in FIGS. 31A-31C, the securing pin 246 need not be removed from the cutting tool 241 in order to re-index the cutting insert 243. Rather, it needs only to be rotated (e.g., one-half turn) in one direction to move the cutting insert 243 into a securing position with respect to the cutting tool 241, or in the opposite direction to move the cutting insert 243 to a releasing position with respect to the cutting tool 241 in order to reorient another cutting edge 244 for a cutting operation. The illustrated construction thus also, as in previously-described constructions, permits the cutting insert 243 to be released for manual indexing another cutting edge, without the need to remove the securing pin and to reinsert it, as required in the prior art construction illustrated in FIG. 1.

The construction illustrated in FIGS. 32A to 32E is similar to that of FIGS. 31A to 31C, except that it includes a conical disc 259 (FIGS. 32A and 32C) interposed between the outer end 256 a of the securing pin 256 and seat 252 of the cutting tool 251. Conical disc 259 is formed with an opening 259 a to receive securing pin 256, and is compressed when the threaded end 256 b of the securing pin is firmly threaded in threaded bore 258 of the cutting tool 251 to apply an outward pressure to the securing pin 256 received within bore 254 of the cutting insert 253. Such a construction thereby provides added protection again the inadvertent rotation of the securing pin 256 from its securing position with respect to cutting insert 253 to its releasing position. Thus, the construction illustrated in FIGS. 32A to 32D first requires that the securing pin 256 be pressed inwardly, and then rotated, in order to release the pin from its securing position to its releasing position with respect to cutting insert 253.

Another difference in the construction illustrated in FIGS. 32A to 32E is that the upper portion 256 a of securing pin 256 is of cylindrical configuration, as clearly shown in FIG. 32C, whereas the upper portion 246 a of the securing pin 246 is of conical configuration, as seen particularly in FIG. 31C.

In all other respects, the construction, operation and advantages provided by the cutting tool illustrated in FIGS. 32A to 32E are basically the same as described above with respect to FIGS. 31A to 31C.

Turning now to FIGS. 33 to 39, there is illustrated a cutting tool similar to the construction illustrated in FIG. 25, but modified to permit more firmly wedging the cutting insert between the securing pin and the cutting tool after the cutting insert has been indexed, or replaced, to provide a new cutting edge for a cutting operation.

Thus, the cutting tool holder illustrated in FIG. 33, and therein generally designated 261, is formed with a seat 262 for receiving the cutting insert 263 having a cutting edge 264 and a central bore 265. As in FIG. 25, bore 265 is formed with two tapered sections from its mid-portion 265 a, one portion 265 b tapering outwardly to the inner face of the cutting insert, and the other portion 265 c tapering outwardly to the outer face of the cutting insert.

Securing pin 266 in FIG. 33 has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of bore 265, and includes an upper tapered surface to 266 a which is urged, by spring 267 in bore 268, into contact with the lower inner surface 265 b of bore 265.

In the construction illustrated in FIG. 33, however, the bottom wall 261 a of the bore in cutting tool 261 is formed with a central opening adapted to receive a stem 266 c integrally formed in the securing pin 266. It will be seen that spring 267 urges securing pin 266 outwardly. Preferably, stem 266 c is of a length so as to be substantially flush with the inner surface of cutting insert 261, or slightly recessed therefrom as shown in FIG. 33.

The purpose of stem 266 c of securing pin 266 is to permit a sharp impact to be applied to the securing pin in the outward direction, to thereby firmly wedge cutting insert 263 between the securing pin and the cutting tool 261. Preferably, the impact is applied via an impact pin 267 having a tip 267 a at one end impactable against the outer tip 266 b of stem 266 c, and thereby to wedge cutting insert 263 firmly within seat 262 between securing pin 266 and the cutting tool holder 261. For this purpose, the outer tip 226 b of stem 266 c is formed with a depression, such as a V-shaped notch, and the corresponding end of 267 a of impact pin 267 is complementarily formed to seat within depression 226 b. Impact pin 267 includes, at its opposite end, an enlarged head 267 b for receiving an impact by a hammer 269 or other impact-producing member.

It will thus be seen that after the cutting insert 263 has been indexed, or replaced, to provide a new cutting edge 264 for cutting purposes, spring 267 will normally urge coupling pin 266 outwardly, to thereby firmly bear against the cutting insert 263, as described above particularly with respect to FIG. 25. However, when the construction illustrated in FIG. 33 is used, impact pin 267 may be impacted for applying a sharp impact to securing pin 266 in the outward direction, to more firmly wedge the cutting insert 263 within seat 262 of the cutting tool 261.

The cutting tool holder illustrated in FIG. 33 provides all the advantages described above with respect to the earlier constructions, with the additional advantage of better assuring that the cutting insert will be firmly wedged in the cutting tool. When only the spring 267 is used to firmly hold the cutting insert 263 within the cutting tool, a load applied by the workpiece against cutting insert 264 may set the cutting tool holder 261 in rapid vibration. Such vibrations tend to loosen the cutting insert 263 from the cutting tool holder 261 in the course of time, and to increase the rate of “metal fatigue” undergone by the cutting tool, thereby substantially decreasing its useful life. However, when the cutting insert is firmly wedged against the cutting tool holder, by applying an impact to it as described above with respect to FIG. 33, loosening of the cutting insert, and the onset of metal fatigue, are both substantially reduced, thereby producing better cutting operations and a longer useful life of the cutting insert.

FIGS. 34A to 34C illustrate another cutting tool similar to that of FIG. 33, but constructed to firmly wedge the cutting insert between the cutting tool and the securing pin by a simple manual operation, rather than by a tool-applied impact operation as in FIG. 33. For the sake of brevity the parts in FIGS. 34A to 34C which generally correspond to the parts in FIG. 33 are identified by the same reference numerals.

In the construction illustrated in FIGS. 34A to 34C, the tapered surface 266 a of the securing pin 266, and of the engaged surface 265 b of the bore 265 in the cutting insert 263, are configured such as to firmly wedge the cutting insert between the securing pin and the tool holder when the cutting insert is applied as shown according to the sequence of steps illustrated in 34 a-34 c, respectively. Thus, as shown in FIG. 34A, the cutting insert 263 is placed over the securing pin 266 so as to engage the upper surface of securing pin 266 by a portion of the bottom surface of cutting insert 263 (FIG. 34A); then the cutting insert 263 is pressed downwardly to depress securing pin 266 (FIG. 34B); and finally the cutting insert 263 is slid laterally across the top of the securing pin until the securing pin pops outwardly within bore 265 of the cutting insert (FIG. 34C). Tapered surface 266 a of the securing pin, engaging tapered surface 265 a of the bore 265 within the cutting insert 263, firmly wedges the cutting insert between the securing pin and the side wall of seat 262 of the cutting tool holder 261. For purposes of example, such tapered surface may be about 5-15° preferably about 10°.

All the foregoing operations can be done manually in one continuous movement, therefore obviating the need for impact elements, such as 267, 269 in FIG. 33. To free the cutting insert, an impact tool, such as used in producing dimples in the surface of a metal workpiece, may be used by applying the tip of the tool to the upper surface of securing pin 266 and impacting it downwardly, thereby moving tapered surface 266 a downwardly with respect to tapered surface 265 b, to release the cutting insert for rotation, replacement, etc. when it is desired to provide a fresh cutting edge for a cutting operation.

FIG. 35 illustrates another construction, also similar to that of FIGS. 33 and 34A to 34C, and therefore for purposes of brevity, the same reference numerals are used to identify corresponding parts. The construction illustrated in FIG. 35 differs from the preceding constructions in that the side wall 262 a of the seat 262 formed in the cutting tool holder 261 is of a convex configuration, and the outer surface 263 a of the cutting insert 263 is of complementary concave configuration. Such a construction not only produces an interlock formation between the cutting insert and the tool holder, as in the previously described embodiments, but also facilitates the handling of the shavings by the cutting insert due to the concave rake surface. Thus, as shown in FIG. 36, during a cutting operation with respect to a workpiece 270, convex surface 263 a of the cutting insert 263 is effective to deflect the shavings 271 produced by the cutting edge 264 outwardly of the cutting insert thereby decreasing the possibility that such shavings will interfere with the cutting operation.

As indicated earlier, the cutting insert may be of any polygonal configuration, such as triangular, quadrilateral, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. FIG. 37 illustrates an example wherein the cutting tool 361 is provided with a triangularly-shaped seat 362, and a cutting insert 363 is of similarly triangular shape. The cutting insert includes three cutting edges 364 which may be selectively indexed for a cutting operation. Cutting insert 363 is also formed with a bore 365 adapted for receiving therein a securing pin 366, which may be of any of the above-described constructions to lock the cutting insert in position during the cutting operation, and release it for removal or rotation in order to present a new cutting edge for a cutting operation.

In addition, each side face 367 is formed with a securing portion in the form of a v-shaped groove 368, adapted to engage a corresponding to v-shaped rib formed in the side wall of the cutting tool holder 361. The purpose of the v-shaped groove will no be further discussed with respect to FIG. 38.

FIG. 38 illustrates a construction similar to that of FIG. 10, including a cutting tool 371 formed with a square seat 372 receives a cutting insert 373 of square configuration, including four cutting edges 374 on its upper side, as well as an additional four cutting edges on its lower side. The cutting insert is further formed with a central bore 375 adapted to receive a pin 376 centrally of the seat 372 of the cutting tool. As in the FIG. 10 construction, the construction illustrated in FIG. 38 also includes a rib 371 a in the two side walls defining the seat 372, and the four outer sides of the cutting insert 373 include four grooves 373 a for receiving the ribs 371 a when the cutting insert is firmly secured within the seat 372 by securing pin 376.

As distinguished from the FIG. 10 construction, however, the two sides 371 b of the cutting tool seat 372 receiving the cutting insert 373 extend perpendicularly to the bottom wall of the seat, rather than at an angle thereto as illustrated in FIG. 10. Similarly, the four outer sides 373 e of the cutting insert 373 are similarly formed perpendicularly to the bottom wall of the cutting insert. In all other respects, the construction illustrated in FIG. 38, and the operation of such a construction, are substantially the same as described above with respect to FIG. 10.

It should be noted here that the interlocking engagement between the v-shaped grooves 373 a and the v-shaped ribs 371 a, provides the cutting insert with resistance to axial loads applied thereto during a cutting operation, so as to prevent disengagement of the bottom face of the cutting insert from the bottom surface of the seat 372. It should also be noted that this resistance to axial loads is provided so long as the cutting insert is prevented from lateral sliding displacement between the bottom face thereof and the bottom surface of the seat, in other words, so long as it is secured such that the side face thereof is aligned with the side wall of the seat, and the v-shaped grooves 373 a interlock with the v-shaped rib 371 a.

In the present example, the securing pin 376 also constitutes an arresting member preventing disengagement of the groove 373 a from the rib 371 a. However, it should be understood that the cutting tool holder may be formed with an arresting member preventing such disengagement.

Turning now to FIGS. 39A and 39B, there is illustrated a cutting tool and cutting insert also similar to that of FIG. 10, but obviating the need for producing a tapered bore, which is difficult to produce using standard manufacturing procedures. To facilitate understanding FIG. 39A, corresponding parts in that figure are identified by reference numerals corresponding to those used in FIG. 10, but increased by “500”.

Thus, the bore 555 formed centrally in insert 553 is of a cylindrical, non-tapered configuration, rather than of a tapered configuration as illustrated (at 55) in FIG. 10. In addition, rib 551 a in the cutting tool 551, and the complementary groove 553 a in the cutting insert 553, are of a triangular configuration, rather than of a trapezoidal configuration in FIG. 10, and are formed via two respective walls of cutting tool 551 and cutting insert 553 extending perpendicularly to the bottom wall of seat 552 in the cutting tool.

As further seen in FIG. 39A, bore 558 formed in the bottom wall of seat 552 for securing pin 556 and biasing spring 557 is at an oblique angle to the bottom wall of seat 552, rather than perpendicularly thereto as in FIG. 10.

The cutting insert illustrated in FIG. 39A is attachable and detachable with respect to the cutting tool 551 in the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 34A to 34 c, and provides the same advantages of firmly wedging the cutting insert 553 in seat 552 of the cutting tool 551 in a simple manual operation as described in FIGS. 34A to 34C. The FIG. 39A construction, however, has the significant advantage over that of FIG. 10, and that of FIGS. 34A to 34C, in that the bore 55, and interengageable walls of cutting tool 551 and cutting insert 553, respectively, obviate the need and expense of forming these walls in a tapered configuration.

With reference now made to FIG. 39B, an additional modification to the cutting tool of the present invention is shown in which in order to depress the securing pin 566, it is not required to apply pressure from to the distal end de thereof. In particular, the cutting tool holder 561 is formed with a side bore 562 adapted to receive an end 574 of a lever 570, to be received within a corresponding recess 569 formed in the securing pin 566 adjacent the proximal end pe thereof.

The end portion of the lever 370 is formed with an eccentric protrusion 576, wherein, when the protrusion 576 is received within the recess 569, rotation of the lever 370 entails axial displacement of the securing pin 566.

FIG. 40 illustrates a cutter head, generally designated 380, formed with four rectangular seats 382 for releasably receiving four cutting inserts 383, each of the construction illustrated in FIG. 38. Thus, as shown in FIG. 39, each cutting insert 383 is formed with four cutting edges 384 on each side, and with a bore 385 in its center for receiving a securing pin 386 spring-urged outwardly by a coil spring 387 located centrally of each seat 382 of the cutter head 380. In the construction illustration in FIG. 39A, the corner at two contiguous sides of the seat is formed with a rounded cut-out 388, similar to the construction illustrated in FIG. 28E, in order to relieve stresses.

It will be appreciated that the constructions illustrated in FIGS. 38, 39A and 39B may include a rib 381 b only on one side wall of seat 382, rather than on each of the two contiguous side walls as illustrated in these figures.

Turning now to FIGS. 41 to 44, in all the above-described constructions, the cutting inserts are of polygonal configuration, with a cutting edge on each of its sides. FIGS. 41 to 44 illustrate a construction including a cutter head 460 designed to carry cutting inserts 453 of circular configuration, rather than of polygonal configuration, to provide, in effect, an infinite number of sides of the cutting edge. The construction illustrated in FIGS. 41 to 44 is also such that the cutting insert 453 rotates slowly and automatically during a cutting operation, so that it is not necessary to be continuously re-index the cutting insert with respect to the cutting edge oriented for the cutting operation.

Thus, as seen particularly in FIG. 41, each cutting insert 453 is of circular configuration and is received within a seat 451 of a complementary circular configuration. Each cutting insert 453 is formed with a continuous circular cutting edge 454 around its outer periphery, and with a central bore 455 for receiving a securing pin 456 spring-urged by spring 457 in the outward direction with respect to bore 455.

As seen particularly in FIG. 44, the outer surface of each cutting insert 453 thus defines a cylindrical side wall, which is formed with a tapered recess or groove 453 a around its circumference between the two end walls of the insert. As shown in FIG. 42, the side wall of the cutter head defining each of its seats 451 for receiving a cutting insert 453 is formed with a circular rib 451 a of complementary tapered configuration to be received within each of the recessed grooves 453 a of the cutting insert.

As also seen particularly in FIG. 44, the outer surface of each cutting insert 453 is formed with a plurality of ribs 458 engageable with the shavings (e.g., 271, FIG. 36) cut from the workpiece during a cutting operation by the cutting edge 454 of the cutting insert, to deflect the shavings outwardly of the cutting insert. Ribs 458 are formed obliquely to the radial lines of the circular cutting insert. This enables these ribs to perform another function, namely to produce a slow rotation of the cutting insert during a cutting operation. Thus, the oblique ribs 458 continuously change the cutting edge engageable with the workpiece during a cutting operation.

Tapered surface 456 a of the securing pin 456, and the corresponding surface of bore 455 formed in the cutting insert 453, would be designed to only lightly secure the cutting insert between the cutting tool and the securing pin, and to thereby permit the slow rotation of the cutting insert during a cutting operation by the engagement of the shavings with the oblique ribs 458.

In addition, it should be noted that during the cutting operation, when the cutting edge of the cutting insert 453 is within the workpiece, the loads and pressure on the cutting insert 453 are such that cause a high static friction, preventing the cutting insert 453 from rotating about its axis. However, at the instance of disengagement of the cutting insert from the workpiece, the pressure is relieved for a brief interval, in which the cutting insert 453 may perform rotary motion. The rotary motion performed by the cutting insert 453 is minute, for example, for a milling head rotating at a speed of 3000 RPM about the central axis thereof, the cutting insert may perform 1 turn every 15 minutes, i.e. 1 turn every 45,000 turns of the milling head.

A construction, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 41 to 44 thus produces a continuous change in the cutting edge during a cutting operation, thereby not only obviating the need to re-index the cutting edge of the cutting insert between cutting operations, but also preventing undue heating of the cutting edge, which is continuously changing, thereby substantially increasing the useful life of the cutting insert.

Turning now to FIGS. 45A to 45G, a drilling tool generally designated 600 is shown comprising a drill body 610 and a drill head 620 mounted thereon. The drill body 610 is formed at one end thereof with a holder portion 611 adapted for receiving the drill head 620 in a secure manner.

The holder portion 611 is formed with a bottom surface 616B, and two shoulders 614 a, 614 b axially extending from the bottom surface 616B and located at two diametrically opposed location with respect to the central axis X. Each shoulder 614 is formed with a side wall 616S which is angled to the bottom surface 616B, similar to the majority of embodiments previously disclosed.

The holder portion 611 is further formed with a positioning bore 618 the center of which coincides with the central axis, and has an open end at the bottom surface 616B. The holder portion 611 is also formed with two seat bores 636 (shown FIG. 45F), each being adapted to receive a securing mechanism 630 therein.

The securing mechanism 630 comprises a securing pin 632 and a biasing spring 634, similar to the disclosed in several of the previous embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 45H to 45L, the drill head adapted to be mounted into the seat of the holder portion 611 is formed with a right side 620R and a left side 620L which are diametrically opposed to one another, each side being formed with a drilling portion 620D, and a mounting portion 620M. Each drilling portion 620D comprises a cutting edge 621. Each mounting portion 620M is formed with a tapering insert bore 626 and a side face 627. In addition, the drilling head 620 is formed with a central positioning stub 628, adapted to be received within the positioning bore 618.

Reverting to FIGS. 45A to 45G, it is observed that when the drilling head 620 is mounted onto the holder portion 611, the securing pin 632 bears against the inner surface 626 i of the insert bore 626, in a manner similar to that described with respect to previous embodiments. However, in the present embodiment, since the diametrically opposed portions 620L, 620R of the drilling head 620 are secured against the shoulders 614L, 614R, the pressure of the securing pins 632 is applied in opposite direction, or alternatively, in a direction tangent to a CW direction. This proves an advantage when drilling is concerned since the drilling tool 600 may be rotated in a CCW direction, thereby only tightening the engagement between the securing mechanism 630 and the drilling head 620.

In assembly, the drilling head 620 is placed onto the seat of the holder portion 611 such that the positioning stub 628 is located above the positioning bore 618, and the bottom face of each of the portions of the drilling head 620 rests on a respective securing pin 632. From this position, the drilling head may be pressed downwards to apply pressure to the securing pins 632, thereby depressing them into a mounting position, in which the distal end thereof protrudes from the bottom surface 616B to an extent allowing insertion of the drilling head 620 into the seat. Once in the mounting position, the drilling head 620 may be rotated so as to bring the respective left and right side faces 627 to engage the side walls 616S, thereby securing the drilling head in place.

With particular reference to FIG. 46, a similar embodiment of the drilling head is shown, however, in this embodiment, the bottom surface 616W is of conical shape tapering downwards, thereby facilitating easy and accurate centralization of the drilling had within the holder portion 611.

Turning now to FIGS. 47A to 48C, another embodiment of the present invention is shown depicting a variable diameter cutting tool generally designated 700, and comprising a holder body 710, three cutting inserts 720 mounted thereon using a plurality of securing mechanism 730, and a diameter regulating arrangement 740.

Each cutting insert 720 is mounted onto the holder body 710 in a manner similar to that disclosed with respect to previous embodiments, with the difference being that the holder body 710 is not formed with a supporting side wall against which the securing pin 732 may apply pressure. Instead, the holder body 710 is formed with a central bore 746 adapted to receive therein a regulator member 742 the head of which is of conical shape, constituting the side wall to define, together with the bottom surface 716B the insert seat.

With particular attention being drawn to FIG. 47C, the securing pin 732 engages the inner surface 726 i of the insert bore 726 to secure the cutting insert 720 between the distal end de of the securing pin 732 and the head of the regulator member 742 being used as a side wall. In the position shown in FIG. 47C, the regulator member extends to a distance h1 above the bottom surface 716B, and the cutting tool has an operative diameter of D1.

The regulator member 742 is received within the bore 746 using a thread, allowing the regulator member 742 to be displaced axially along the bore, and being positioned at a variety of desired distances above the bottom surface 716B. It is also evident that due to the engagement between the head of the regulator member 742 and the side face 726S, the lower the extension of the regulator member 742 above the bottom surface 716B, the farther the inserts 720 are from each other, and greater the operative diameter of the cutting tool 700. The regulator member 742 may also be indexed as shown by 747 in order to indicate the desired increase in diameter.

However, as previously explained with respect to FIG. 2A, whereas displacement of the securing pin entails lateral displacement of the cutting insert towards the side wall of the seat, the opposite does not take place (axial displacement of the securing pin as a result of lateral displacement of the cutting insert). Therefore, axially displacing the regulator member 742 will not entail lateral displacement of the cutting inserts and increase in diameter.

Thus, in operation, when desiring to increase the operative diameter, either of the following may take place:

-   -   a. in case no cutting inserts 720 are mounted onto the cutting         tool holder 710 as shown in FIGS. 48A to 48C, the regulator         member 742 may be freely axially displaced to a desired amount,         and only then are the cutting inserts 720 mounted onto the tool         holder 710 in a manner similar to that described with respect to         previous embodiments; or     -   b. in case cutting inserts 720 are mounted onto the tool holder         710, the securing pin 732 must first be depressed so as to         provide the cutting inserts 720 with a certain degree of freedom         in the lateral direction, and only them may the regulator member         be axially displaced. Once displaced, the securing pins 732 may         be un-depressed and assume a securing position to securely         fasten the cutting inserts 720 in place.

Depression of the securing pins 732 may be achieved using a triple-pin member (not shown) adapted to be inserted into the insert bores 726 from the top side thereof and apply pressure to the securing pins 732.

Turning now to FIGS. 49A to 49C, an embodiment of a cutting too similar to that shown in FIGS. 47A to 48C, is shown generally designated 800, with the difference being it comprising only two cutting inserts 820. In all other ways, operation is the same as in FIGS. 47A to 48C.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modification can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cutting tool holder adapted for mounting thereon a cutting insert having a top face, a bottom face and formed with an insert bore having an inner surface extending between the top and the bottom faces; the holder comprising a seat comprising a bottom surface and at least one side wall angled with respect to the bottom surface, a seat bore with a bore axis having an open end at the bottom surface of the seat, and a securing mechanism for securing the cutting insert in the seat, the securing mechanism comprising a securing pin received within the seat bore and a body with an outer surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the body and defining a pin axis therealong, and a displacement arrangement separate from the securing pin, the displacement arrangement adapted to mechanically engage the securing pin, such that displacement arrangement displaces the securing pin along the bore axis of the seat bore between at least a first, mounting, position in which the distal end protrudes from within the seat bore through the bottom surface into the seat to a first extent from the bottom surface of the seat to allow the cutting insert to be placed within the seat, having its bottom face aligned against the bottom surface, and a second, securing, position in which the distal end protrudes from within the seat bore through the bottom surface into the seat to a second extent from the bottom surface of the seat that is greater than the first extent so as to engage the inner surface of the insert bore, thereby securing the insert in place.
 2. The cutting tool holder according to claim 1, wherein the seat bore is non-threaded.
 3. The cutting tool holder according to claim 1, wherein the cutting tool holder is formed with a plurality of insert seats configured for simultaneous engagement with the same cutting insert.
 4. The cutting tool holder according to claim 1, wherein in both the mounting position and the securing position, the securing pin remains in engagement with the tool holder.
 5. The cutting tool holder according to claim 1, wherein in both the mounting position and the securing position, the proximal end is located within the seat bore.
 6. The cutting tool holder according to claim 1, wherein the displacement arrangement is a biasing spring for constantly urging the securing pin into said securing position.
 7. The cutting tool holder according to claim 1, wherein the cutting tool holder is configured for a variable diameter cutting tool adapted for rotation about a central axis thereof, and is further configured for receiving at least two cutting inserts circumferentially disposed about the central axis, the cutting tool holder further comprising a diameter regulating arrangement configured for simultaneously radially displacing the cutting inserts with respect to the central axis in order to increase/decrease the circumference envelope of the cutting tool.
 8. A cutting insert configured for mounting onto the cutting tool holder of claim
 1. 9. The cutting insert according to claim 8, wherein the cutting insert comprises a drill head.
 10. The cutting insert according to claim 9, wherein the drill head comprises a plurality of body portions, each having a drilling portion formed with at least one cutting edge, and a mounting portion for engaging with the securing mechanism of the cutting tool holder.
 11. The cutting insert according to claim 10, wherein each mounting portion has a top face, a bottom face and an insert bore having an inner surface extending between the top and the bottom faces, the insert bore being configured for engagingly receiving therein the securing pin of the cutting tool holder.
 12. The cutting insert according to claim 11, wherein the insert bore is non-threaded.
 13. A cutting tool comprising a cutting tool holder and a cutting insert mounted therein, the cutting insert comprising a top face, a bottom face and an insert bore having an inner surface extending between the top and the bottom faces; the holder comprising a seat comprising a bottom surface and at least one side wall angled with respect to the bottom surface, a seat bore with a bore axis having an open end at the bottom surface of the seat, and a securing mechanism for securing the cutting insert in the seat, the securing mechanism comprising a securing pin received within the seat bore and having a body with an outer surface extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the body and defining a pin axis therealong, and a displacement arrangement separate from the securing pin adapted to mechanically engage the securing pin, such that displacement arrangement displaces the securing pin along the bore axis of the seat bore between at least a first, mounting, position in which the distal end protrudes from within the seat bore through the bottom surface into the seat to a first extent from the bottom surface of the seat to allow the cutting insert to be placed within the seat, having its bottom face aligned against the bottom surface, and a second, securing, position in which the distal end protrudes from within the seat bore through the bottom surface into the seat to a second extent from the bottom surface of the seat that is greater than the first extent to engage the inner surface of the insert bore, thereby securing the insert in place.
 14. The cutting tool according to claim 13, wherein the seat bore is non-threaded.
 15. The cutting tool according to claim 13, the cutting tool holder further comprising a plurality of seats configured for simultaneous engagement with the same cutting insert.
 16. The cutting tool according to claim 13, the cutting insert further comprising at least one side face, and when the cutting insert is secured within the seat of the cutting tool holder, the securing pin applies pressure on the inner surface of the insert bore to facilitate firm engagement of the at least one side face with the at least one side wall of said seat.
 17. The cutting tool according to claim 13, wherein the insert seat further comprises two adjacent side walls and is configured for receiving the cutting insert such that two adjacent side faces of the cutting insert are aligned with the two adjacent side walls of the seat, at least one of the two adjacent side walls of the seat further comprising a seat securing portion for securely engaging a matching insert securing portion formed in a corresponding side face of the cutting insert.
 18. The cutting tool according to claim 17, wherein the securing portion of the side face of the cutting insert is formed with a groove having a bottom rim, configured for providing the cutting insert with resistance to axial loads applied, so as to prevent disengagement of the bottom face of the cutting insert from the bottom surface of the seat.
 19. The cutting tool according to claim 13, wherein the arrangement is such that the cutting insert is adapted to bear against an axial load attempting to disengage the bottom face from the bottom surface, when the bottom face of the cutting insert is prevented from sliding displacement with respect to the bottom surface of the seat in a direction facing away from the side walls.
 20. The cutting tool according to claim 13, wherein the cutting tool is configured for an operation selected from the group consisting of: milling, drilling, and turning.
 21. The cutting tool according to claim 13, wherein the cutting tool holder is a drilling tool holder and the cutting insert comprises a drill head.
 22. The cutting tool according to claim 21, wherein said drill head comprises a plurality of body portions, each having a drilling portion comprising at least one cutting edge and a mounting portion for engaging a securing mechanism.
 23. The cutting tool according to claim 21, wherein the side walls of the tool holder are counter-disposed, such that the drill head is securely held in place and prevented from rotating with respect to the tool holder in one direction due to the side walls, and in the other direction due to the securing pin.
 24. The cutting tool according to claim 13, wherein the cutting insert further comprises a cylindrical side face extending between the top and bottom faces thereof, and is configured for rotation about a rotation axis thereof during a cutting operation. 